Lived experience of driving ability following stroke.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes and expands our understanding of the lived-experience of driving ability after stroke in the context of being under a driving evaluation.


METHODS
Four men with stroke were interviewed on three occasions. The interviews were open-ended, taped and transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Karlsson's Empirical, Phenomenological and Psychological method.


RESULTS
The findings revealed five main characteristics expressed in the participants' lived experiences: (1) the meaning of driving remained throughout life; (2) being questioned and advised not to drive--an untenable situation; (3) being out of control and violated by the driving evaluation; (4) driving safely (as usual) during the on-road test; and (5) perceiving consequences in everyday living.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate that driving is important and taken for granted even after stroke. To lose the ability to drive was unexpected and aroused strong feelings and reactions. The present study contributes to a deeper understanding of how people with stroke experience their driving ability and the evaluation process, which can be integrated in clinical procedures to help improve information, emotional support and clinical procedures.
Patomella
Ann-Helen
AH
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden. ann-helen.patomella@ki.se
Johansson
Kurt
K
Tham
Kerstin
K
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014937:Work / Q000523:psychology